Abstract: A vehicle body decklid hinge includes at least one hinge set carried by a bracket that retains a pivot pin and a retainer bar in a cantilevered manner. The pivot pin supports a lever, such as a gooseneck strap, that will be coupled to the hood, while the bracket includes a mount that will be carried by peripheral body structure around the decklid opening. The retainer bar carries a helically wound spring that secures one end of the spring for resistance to rotation about the axis of the bar. The other end of the spring engages an adjuster that variably urges the lever to pivot toward the open position. The method and apparatus reduce specificity of components and improve adaptably to various models and styles by reducing adjustments to tension variability in adjusting the biasing force applied to the decklid strap.

Abstract: A vehicle body decklid hinge includes at least one hinge set carried by a bracket that retains a pivot pin and a retainer bar in a cantilevered manner. The pivot pin supports a lever, such as a gooseneck strap, that will be coupled to the hood, while the bracket includes a mount that will be carried by peripheral body structure around the decklid opening. The retainer bar carries a helically wound spring that secures one end of the spring for resistance to rotation about the axis of the bar. The other end of the spring engages an adjustor that variably urges the lever to pivot toward the open position. The method and apparatus reduce specificity of components and improve adaptably to various models and styles by reducing adjustments to tension variability in adjusting the biasing force applied to the decklid strap.

Abstract: A vehicle decklid displacement mechanism includes a linkage for leveraging displacement of the lid with respect to a vehicle body, an extension strut having spring means biasing the ends of the strut away from each other and a motorized crank. The crank is driven by the motor for pivotal engagement with the extendable strut so that the combined leverage of the linkage and the biasing of the strut geometrically urge the decklid to an open position. A position of the crank is adjusted by the motor to retract the decklid from its fully open position, at which point the weight of the lid overcomes the leverage of the linkage and the biasing of the extendable strut to displace the decklid toward its open position.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly secured to the torque rod. A first end assembly pivotally supports the tailgate while permitting a torque rod end to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. A second end assembly also pivotally supports the tailgate and permits the other end of the torque rod to be rigidly connected to the vehicle body. The first end assembly includes a bushing and split pivot body rotatably mounted within the bushing that creates increasing friction between the split pivot body and the bushing as the torque rod is twisted due to the tailgate being opened. The increasing friction creates a progressively increasing braking or dampening effect, which slows the free fall of the tailgate as it is opened.

Abstract: A torque rod-based counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a first assembly for securing the torque rod to one side of vehicle's body and supporting the tailgate to the same side of the vehicle's body, and a second assembly for supporting the other end of the tailgate to the other side of the vehicle's body. The first assembly includes a body bracket with an elongated key slot that receives an elongated key of a pivot coupling having an opening for receiving a first end of the torque rod. A retainer assembly including a one-piece construction retainer block receives and secures to the tailgate a second end of the torque rod, so that it twists as the tailgate is rotated. The retainer block has the structural strength necessary to restrain without failing the torque rod as it is twisted and subjected to a torsional force in response to the rotation of the tailgate.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly secured to the torque rod. The assemblies are easily mounted in the vehicle by means of brackets secured to the tailgate. The first end assembly pivotally supports the tailgate while permitting a torque rod end to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. The first assembly includes a body bracket with an elongated key slot that receives an elongated key of a pivot coupling having an opening for receiving a first end of the torque rod. The second end assembly also pivotally supports the tailgate and permits the other end of the torque rod to be rigidly connected to the vehicle body. The second assembly includes a vehicle body hinge pin, and combines bushings with an aligned, elongated key to simplify installation and removal of the counterbalancing hinge assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle decklid displacement mechanism includes a linkage for leveraging displacement of the lid with respect to a vehicle body, an extension strut having spring means biasing the ends of the strut away from each other and a motorized crank. The crank is driven by the motor for pivotal engagement with the extendable strut so that the combined leverage of the linkage and the biasing of the strut geometrically urge the decklid to an open position. A position of the crank is adjusted by the motor to retract the decklid from its fully open position, at which point the weight of the lid overcomes the leverage of the linkage and the biasing of the extendable strut to displace the decklid toward its open position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a liftgate panel on a vehicle body for pivotal movement along a path between open and closed positions. A mounting includes hinge sets formed from two hinge leafs, at least one torsion rod extending through aligned pivot portions on each hinge set. Preferably, each hinge set is integrally formed with a common torsion pin by retainers holding ends of the torsion pin with respect to one leaf of each of the hinge sets. In a preferred embodiment, a return bent end of a common torsion pin is received in a first leaf of one of at least two hinge sets, while the other end of the rod is return bend and retained in a second leaf catch that receives an arm throughout a limited portion of the liftgate path between closed and open positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling restraint anchorage for use in child seat restraint anchorage and forms a portion of a bracket to engage a tubular rail that supports a plurality of latch wires. A portion of the bracket extends longitudinally along the tube. The extended portion is connected to the tube by mechanical engagement, preferably with a fastener. In a preferred embodiment, the fastener is formed by portions of the latch wire by cold heading shoulders on leg portions of the latch wires.

Abstract: A tailgate lift assist counterbalancing hinge assembly that can be retrofitted to the exterior of a vehicle's tailgate is disclosed. The hinge assembly includes first and second tailgate brackets for attaching the hinge assembly to the exterior of tailgate. The first tailgate bracket includes a perpendicularly bent flange to facilitate attachment of the bracket to the tailgate. The hinge assembly also includes a torque rod with a bend to facilitate access to a fastener used to attach the first tailgate bracket through the bent flange to the exterior of the tailgate. A retainer block, which is positioned on a flange of the second tailgate bracket, is secured with the bracket to the exterior of tailgate using a second fastener. The torque rod extends on the exterior of the tailgate between the first and second tailgate brackets.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly secured to the torque rod. A first end assembly pivotally supports the tailgate while permitting a torque rod end to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. A second end assembly also pivotally supports the tailgate and permits the other end of the torque rod to be rigidly connected to the vehicle body. The first end assembly includes a bushing and split pivot body rotatably mounted within the bushing that creates increasing friction between the split pivot body and the bushing as the torque rod is twisted due to the tailgate being opened. The increasing friction creates a progressively increasing braking or dampening effect, which slows the free fall of the tailgate as it is opened.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly secured to the torque rod. One end assembly pivotally supports the tailgate while permitting a torque rod end to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. The other end assembly also pivotally supports the tailgate and permits the other end of the torque rod to be rigidly connected to the vehicle body. The assemblies are easily mounted in the vehicle by means of brackets secured to the tailgate, and a vehicle body hinge pin combines bushings with an aligned, elongated key to simplify installation and removal of the counterbalancing hinge assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a liftgate panel on a vehicle body for pivotal movement along a path between open and closed positions. A mounting includes hinge sets formed from two hinge leafs, at least one torsion rod extending through aligned pivot portions on each hinge set. Preferably, each hinge set is integrally formed with a common torsion pin by retainers holding ends of the torsion pin with respect to one leaf of each of the hinge sets. In a preferred embodiment, a return bent end of a common torsion pin is received in a first leaf of one of at least two hinge sets, while the other end of the rod is return bend and retained in a second leaf catch that receives an arm throughout a limited portion of the liftgate path between closed and open positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a liftgate panel on a vehicle body for pivotal movement along a path between open and closed positions. A mounting includes hinge sets formed from two hinge leafs, at least one torsion rod extending through aligned pivot portions on each hinge set. Preferably, each hinge set is integrally formed with a common torsion pin by retainers holding ends of the torsion pin with respect to one leaf of each of the hinge sets. In a preferred embodiment, a return bent end of a common torsion pin is received in a first leaf of one of at least two hinge sets, while the other end of the rod is return bend and retained in a second leaf catch that receives an arm throughout a limited portion of the liftgate path between closed and open positions.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly. One end assembly pivotally retains the tailgate while permitting the torque rod to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. The other end assembly pivotally retains the tailgate and permits the end of the torque rod o be rigidly retained with respect to the vehicle body. The assemblies are easily mounted in the vehicle using brackets that are secured to the tailgate and a vehicle body hinge pin to simplify installation and repair of the assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a liftgate panel on a vehicle body for pivotal movement along a path between open and closed positions. A mounting includes hinge sets formed from two hinge leafs, at least one torsion rod extending through aligned pivot portions on each hinge set. Preferably, each hinge set is integrally formed with a common torsion pin by retainers holding ends of the torsion pin with respect to one leaf of each of the hinge sets. In a preferred embodiment, a return bent end of a common torsion pin is received in a first leaf of one of at least two hinge sets, while the other end of the rod is return bend and retained in a second leaf catch that receives an arm throughout a limited portion of the liftgate path between closed and open positions.

Abstract: A restraint anchorage for a child safety seat for an automotive vehicle having a cross member disposed behind the vehicle's seat. U-shaped latch wires are attached to the cross member. Collars are provided on the legs of the latch wires which engage one side of the cross members. The ends of the legs which protrude through holes provided in the cross member are peened over to form enlarged heads locking the latch wire to the cross member.

Abstract: A link assembly forming a 6 bar linkage is integrally combined with a spring having a laterally coiled strand to form a hinge that is particularly well adapted to be installed in a small footprint. Such a unit is well adapted for installation within a peripheral channel of a vehicle body opening and to prop the closure in its open position. The present invention also provides a method for reducing packaging footprint of a vehicle closure hinge by integrating the 6 bar linkage with the laterally coiled strand, and selecting a strand shaping to reduce radial dimension of the coil and the coil cross-section while maximizing the radial dimension of material in the strand.

Abstract: A vehicle closure hinge includes a mount having a pivot axis flange, a pivot link, a pivot coupling the pivot link to the pivot axis flange and a spring formed by a laterally coiled strand extending from a first coil end to a second coil end in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of displacement about the pivot axis. The coil size, the strand size and the number of coils can be varied as desired to vary the spring biasing force exerted against the vehicle closure without varying other components of the hinge. The hinge parts may be designed with various configurations including simple pivoting links or a four bar linkage. A strand end of the coil spring extends along the direction of the coil to a position at a first coil end to maintain biasing force near the plane of displacement about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly secured to the torque rod. The assemblies are easily mounted in the vehicle by means of brackets secured to the tailgate. The first end assembly pivotally supports the tailgate while permitting a torque rod end to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. The first assembly includes a body bracket with an elongated key slot that receives an elongated key of a pivot coupling having an opening for receiving a first end of the torque rod. The second end assembly also pivotally supports the tailgate and permits the other end of the torque rod to be rigidly connected to the vehicle body. The second assembly includes a vehicle body hinge pin, and combines bushings with an aligned, elongated key to simplify installation and removal of the counterbalancing hinge assembly.